Snapdragon
Antirrhinum
Snapdragon blooms from May through September.
Mature size, hardiness zones, sun and the trait tags were checked against named botanical sources for this plant. The bloom months and water need on this page were not.
Growing Snapdragon
Plant it in full sun. It prefers moderate water. Expect it to reach about 2.3 ft tall and 12 in wide at maturity, in roughly 1 year.
When to plant Snapdragon
Wait until all danger of frost has passed, then plant out Snapdragon into warm soil; in most zones that means late spring. Planted then, it flowers from May to September.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar.
Comes in 10 varieties across 6 colors
Same plant, same care - pick the color you are growing.
Good to know about Snapdragon
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Worth knowing
The closed, two-lipped 'dragon mouth' only opens when a large, strong bee (bumblebee or carpenter bee) lands and pries the lips apart, shutting out honeybees. per NC State and PLOS ONE
A cool-season bloomer
It flowers heavily in the cool of spring and fall, slows or stalls in high-summer heat, then rebounds as temperatures fall. Newer series tolerate heat better. per NC State and Clemson
One watering habit
Water at the base in the morning, not overhead in the evening, so leaves dry fast. This one habit controls both rust and downy mildew. per University of Illinois
Pinch and deadhead for more
Pinch young plants once to branch them, then deadhead spent spikes and cut tall varieties back after flowering to push new stems and prolong bloom. per Clemson and Mississippi State
Pet-safe and edible
Non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and the flowers are edible (if bitter), sometimes used as a garnish. A safe pick for family and pet gardens. per ASPCA and NC State
What pairs well with Snapdragon
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Perennial Sunflower
Shares full sun and moderate water; overlaps, then carries the display into mid fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; both offer pollinator forage.
Aster
Shares full sun and moderate water; overlaps, then carries the display into mid fall; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; both offer pollinator forage.
Joe Pye Weed
Shares full sun and moderate to high water; its seed heads stand through winter, for structure and the birds; both offer pollinator forage; taller at 5.9 ft, for the layer behind it.
Eastern Redbud
Takes full sun to part sun and moderate water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; both offer pollinator forage, in different months; purple sits close to pink on the wheel.
Flowering Cherry
Shares full sun and moderate water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; both offer pollinator forage, in different months; a soft color beside the pink.
Serviceberry
Takes full sun to part sun and moderate water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; both offer pollinator forage, in different months; its white flowers settle the pink.
Rosemary
Shares full sun and low to moderate water; opens in early spring and overlaps into this one's season; evergreen, so the bed keeps its shape through winter; both offer pollinator forage.
Hyacinth
Shares full sun and moderate water; blooms in early spring, before this one opens; lower at 10 in, for the front of the border; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
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